[aprssig] APRS Voice Alert

[VE7GDH]

Dave wrote on 07/09/2005

> For emergency net use, or other indipendant net use, an excelent
> tool, so long as the station's hardware supports it, and an awful
> lot of it doesnt!...

I agree with you - it is an excellent tool. I would also have to go along
with you that it would be pretty difficult to use a feature if the hardware
doesn't support it... but an awful lot of it does - hi!

However, I thought that it was worth mentioning that during an emergency
situation isn't always the best time to be learning some new tricks. You are
far more likely to be able to put something like voice alert to use if you
and others use it and practise it before the emergency takes place. This
applies to many things - not just communications. Firefighters practise
putting out fires, runners go out and run.... cyclists go out and ride and
so on. You gotta put the miles in!

You were a bit cynical and thought that people would abuse the feature and
chat on the APRS frequency. I am a bit cynical and think that if you don't
practise the technique, it won't work as smoothly as it could if it ever was
needed in an emergency situation. It doesn't hurt to be innovative during an
emergency and be ready to adapt, but something that you are familiar with
and know how to use without even thinking about it is going to be of more
use when it is needed for something more than just chatting if you and
others with the capabilities know how to make it work smoothly ahead of
time.

73 es cul - Keith VE7GDH
--
"I may be lost, but I know exactly where I am!"